Nikkō’s Three Wise Monkeys

Shrine Monkeys

Nikkō Tōshōgū is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, who is buried there. It is the centerpiece of the Shrines and Temples of Nikkō UNESCO World Heritage site.

Among the extensive artworks adorning the buildings of the shrine, a carving of three monkeys has won particular fame. It is one of eight monkey carvings on the stable for sacred horses within the shrine precincts, as monkeys were thought to be protectors of horses. The carving is known simply as “three monkeys” (sanzaru) in Japanese, but is commonly called the “three wise monkeys” in English.

The monkeys, covering their eyes, ears, and mouths, respectively, are known as mizaru (do not see), kikazaru (do not hear), and iwazaru (do not speak); these names also play on saru, the Japanese word for monkey. The carving is based on the idea that children should be educated through morally positive experiences, and should not see, hear, or say anything bad. In English, this is expressed as “See no evil, hear, no evil, speak no evil.”

World Heritage Site Nikkō Tōshōgū | Nippon.com

The World Heritage Site Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture includes over one hundred buildings associated with two Shintō shrines—Futarasan and Tōshōgū—and the Buddhist temple Rinnōji. Of these, Tōshōgū, dedicated to Edo shogunate founder Tokugawa Ieyasu, is renowned for its majestic shrine buildings, which feature many famous carvings, and has also become popular with people who seek out its spiritual atmosphere.

https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900202/

(Originally written in English. Banner photo © Nippon.com.)